Just when we thought we had no choice but to stay in a hostel, a room became available at Holly Homestead, a lovely B&B in Franz Josef. The lesson? Don’t be too last-minute like Cameron and me, booking and planning our trip only two weeks prior. As we found, Christmas is a very popular time to visit New Zealand’s best South Island spots.
The room was a bit pricey at NZ$340 but it was that or a hostel. I’ve never stayed at a hostel so I can’t really say anything bad about it but I just was not prepared to share a room with strangers.
Cameron and I enjoyed the peace and quiet at Holly Homestead and we were especially impressed and grateful for our host Bernie’s local knowledge. I appreciate it when people are bold and excited about their restaurant recommendations. Bernie even knew every place’s closing time! Her husband, Gerard, was the one to cook breakfast for us guests. Other personal touches were homemade goodies and port in the common lounge room.
The view from the bathroom was pretty spectacular!
A two-minute drive from the B&B is the Glacier Hot Pools, a perfect way to relax after our exhilarating Fox Glacier Heli-Hike. Cameron pre-booked a private pool for two the day before for NZ$70, 30 minutes. We loved the setting, the cleanliness and the facilities.
The sunset lighting was magnificent as we finished up at the Glacier Hot Pools and the picture above was what greeted us as we got ready for dinner. Views are inescapable in New Zealand!
Going by Bernie’s recommendation, we went just across the road from the Glacier Hot Pools to King Tiger Restaurant. Cameron was raving about their Tikka Massala, definitely worth a try!
Story & Photography by Rachel & Cameron Herweynen